I was shocked to hear the sad news of Peter’s death. I believe we were just a month apart in age, and when I went along to Berkeley Avenue with a view to joining the club in October 1977, who was on the touchline to chat to me but Peter, who I gather had played the odd game for the club previously but was now joining to play regularly.
We went on to play literally hundreds of games together, usually with Peter at No 8 and me at 2nd Row. I also had the pleasure of being on the splendid tour to Lourdes with him. Like myself, Peter played on through several decades of Ealing rugby, and if anyone merits the description ‘club stalwart’, he is the one. In the 1980-81 season we were the two clear choices for the 3rd XV cap, and while it was very much a toss-up between two ever-presents in what was a successful season, I got the nod. Sadly, Peter never did win the cap that he thoroughly deserved, and he did mention it a few times in the bar after a couple of pints on a Saturday night, all, or mostly, in jest.
When circumstances permit, I look forward to sharing memories of Peter over a pint or three with some of our former team-mates.
Thanks for all the good times, Pete.
